New Delhi, India – June 2025:
India’s telecommunications industry is witnessing steady improvements in its core financial and usage metrics, particularly Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and Minutes of Usage (MOU), according to the latest performance report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These positive indicators reflect an industry adapting well to changing market dynamics, despite a small but notable decline in internet subscribers.
For the January–March 2025 quarter, ARPU for wireless services climbed from ₹181.80 (as reported in December 2024) to ₹182.95—an increase of 0.64%. On an annual basis, ARPU growth is even more pronounced, with a 19.16% jump compared to the previous year, highlighting improved monetization strategies and the effects of recent price hikes by operators.
Breaking down ARPU performance, prepaid users contributed ₹182.53 monthly, while postpaid subscribers brought in ₹187.48 on average. This gap demonstrates the premium value and service levels associated with postpaid plans, though prepaid users continue to dominate in volume.
Call usage also saw encouraging growth. The all-India average MOU per subscriber per month rose by 1.64%, increasing from 1009 minutes in December 2024 to 1026 minutes in March 2025. This suggests that, even with the growing dependence on internet-based communication tools, traditional voice services remain deeply integrated into daily usage patterns.
However, not all indicators showed upward momentum. The report noted a slight decline in internet subscriptions—down from 970.16 million in December 2024 to 969.10 million in March 2025, marking a 0.11% drop. While minor, this reversal calls for closer scrutiny, especially as India pursues its goal of universal digital connectivity.
The mixed results paint a nuanced picture: While operators are succeeding in driving revenue and usage through effective pricing and improved service quality, the slight reduction in internet subscribers could reflect saturation in urban markets, device affordability challenges, or shifting data consumption behaviors.
In summary, India’s telecom sector is largely on an upward trajectory. The growing ARPU and MOU highlight healthier business fundamentals and increasing user engagement. The slight contraction in internet users serves as a reminder that continuous innovation and inclusivity are essential to sustaining momentum in the digital era. Stakeholders will be closely watching the next few quarters to ensure that this growth is both inclusive and sustainable.